Burbank in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Burbank Branch Railroad

Railroad Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, August 7, 2019

1. Railroad Marker

Inscription. When early settlers migrated to Southern California in the late 1800s, they saw the future potential of the fertile valley located twelve miles north of Los Angeles. In 1867, Dr. David Burbank purchased the land, which, in 1911, would become incorporated as the city bearing his name. The area was ideal for farming and ranching, but it was the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad that would foster the community’s growth. In 1893, the Burbank Branch railroad line opened, allowing local farmers to easily transport their crops of melons, citrus, peaches, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables. The line that ran along Chandler Boulevard remained in service until 1992 when the Chandler Bikeway was constructed.

Many hard-working and conscientious people were involved in building and maintaining the railroad. The duty of a trackwalker was to examine the condition of the tracks and to keep them safe for the traveling public. This trackwalker carries a lantern and tools - his gaze watchful and protective. In honor of this period of Burbank history, the sculpture uses a section of original railroad track with metal spikes to hold the crossties.

Erected 2011.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture

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• Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 34° 10.762′ N, 118° 19.475′ W. Marker is in Burbank, California, in Los Angeles County. It is on Chandler Boulevard west of Mariposa Street, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1305 W Chandler Blvd, Burbank CA 91506, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s The Valley — the San Fernando Valley,

in Greater Los Angeles,

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grangetto Winery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tropico Strawberry Growers (approx. 0.6 miles away); F-104 Starfighter (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Mentzer House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Burbank Railway Depot (approx. ¾ mile away); McCambridge Park Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Moving Wall (approx. 0.8 miles away); Burbank Post Office (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burbank.

Regarding Burbank Branch Railroad. The railroad line that ran along Chandler Boulevard remained in service until 1992. The Chandler Bikeway was constructed in 2003-2004.

Railroad Marker and Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, August 7, 2019

2. Railroad Marker and Statue

Railroad Marker and Trackwalker Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, August 7, 2019

3. Railroad Marker and Trackwalker Statue

Bike Path near the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, August 7, 2019

4. Bike Path near the Marker

Abandoned rails can be seen in the distance.

Photo on the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ansel Adams/LAPL, 1940

5. Photo on the Marker

“Lockheed Aircraft Corp” in the background.

Burbank Branch Railroad image. Click for full size.

Public Domain, circa 1970s

6. Burbank Branch Railroad

Photo provided by Jeff Stein, who worked as a trainman and engineer on this branch from 1977 until service ended in 1992.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 2,713 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 9, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6. submitted on January 29, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.